The World Bank, on Monday, named Jim Yong Kim, a global health expert and the president of Dartmouth College, as its next president, in a widely-expected appointment that continues the longstanding tradition of an American leading the Washington-based development institution.
Kim, 52, was named the next president of the World Bank and will replace Robert Zoellick, who will end his five-year tenure at the end of June.
While the selection of Kim by the 25-member executive board of the bank was no surprise, the board had, for the first time, considered more than one candidate, a reflection of the increasing clout of emerging-market nations on the global stage.
Numerous African countries had rallied round Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nige-rian’s Minister of Finance and former World Bank Managing Director.
José Antonio Ocampo, the former Colombian central banker and United Nations (UN) official, was also a candidate.
Meanwhile, Dr Okonjo-Iweala told an audience in Abuja, at the presentation of the 2012 budget, that the selection of a World Bank president was not based on merit.
“I want people to know what is happening. This thing is not really being decided on merit, it is voting with political weights and shares and therefore the US will get it,” she said.
However, both South Africa and Brazil had condemned the selection process, declaring it faulty and in need of reform.
The bank’s directors have, however, justified their selection of Kim, saying that it was on account of a selection process adopted in 2011.
They also commended Dr Okonjo-Iweala and other contenders in the concluded race.
In a press release issed by the World Bank, the directors also commended the outgoing president, Zoelick, adding that the directors selected Kim for a five-year term beginning on July 1, 2012.
Meanwhile President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated the new World Bank president, Dr Kim, on his election.
He also thanked the leaders, governments, peoples and friends of developing countries, as well as the media and other civil society groups for the support and encouragement given to the Nigerian candidate in the contest, Dr Okonjo-Iweala.
Jonathan restated the readiness of the Federal Government of Nigeria to continue to build on the existing cordial relationship and cooperation with the global institution.
Dr Okonjo-Iweala also congratulated the president-elect of the World Bank, Dr Kim.
Speaking in Abuja, on Monday, she assured that she would work with Kim alongside other stakeholders for the benefit of the poor in the society.
Kim, 52, was named the next president of the World Bank and will replace Robert Zoellick, who will end his five-year tenure at the end of June.
While the selection of Kim by the 25-member executive board of the bank was no surprise, the board had, for the first time, considered more than one candidate, a reflection of the increasing clout of emerging-market nations on the global stage.
Numerous African countries had rallied round Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nige-rian’s Minister of Finance and former World Bank Managing Director.
José Antonio Ocampo, the former Colombian central banker and United Nations (UN) official, was also a candidate.
Meanwhile, Dr Okonjo-Iweala told an audience in Abuja, at the presentation of the 2012 budget, that the selection of a World Bank president was not based on merit.
“I want people to know what is happening. This thing is not really being decided on merit, it is voting with political weights and shares and therefore the US will get it,” she said.
However, both South Africa and Brazil had condemned the selection process, declaring it faulty and in need of reform.
The bank’s directors have, however, justified their selection of Kim, saying that it was on account of a selection process adopted in 2011.
They also commended Dr Okonjo-Iweala and other contenders in the concluded race.
In a press release issed by the World Bank, the directors also commended the outgoing president, Zoelick, adding that the directors selected Kim for a five-year term beginning on July 1, 2012.
Meanwhile President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated the new World Bank president, Dr Kim, on his election.
He also thanked the leaders, governments, peoples and friends of developing countries, as well as the media and other civil society groups for the support and encouragement given to the Nigerian candidate in the contest, Dr Okonjo-Iweala.
Jonathan restated the readiness of the Federal Government of Nigeria to continue to build on the existing cordial relationship and cooperation with the global institution.
Dr Okonjo-Iweala also congratulated the president-elect of the World Bank, Dr Kim.
Speaking in Abuja, on Monday, she assured that she would work with Kim alongside other stakeholders for the benefit of the poor in the society.
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